increase font size
Theo Spierings
Former Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings passed away in the Netherlands over the weekend.
A statement issued by The Purpose Factory, a Dutch-based foundation and consultancy focused on global sustainable development goals and business transformation and innovation, says Spierings died “unexpectedly” after a brief illness.
Spierings was a co-founder and chairman of The Purpose Factory.
The statement says Spierings had more than 30 years’ experience in the dairy industry – including leading Fonterra for nearly seven years. He became Fonterra CEO in 2011, replacing Andrew Ferrier and beating internal candidates for the job.
He previously led Dutch dairy cooperative Royal Friesland Foods in its 2008 merger with Campina.
Prior to his departure from Fonterra, Spierings caused controversy when it was revealed he was one of the highest-paid executives in the country, pulling in $8.32m in 2017.
The Purpose Factory statement says his legacy, and the impact he had on those he worked with and who knew him, will be remembered fondly.
“At this difficult time, Theo’s family has requested privacy. They appreciate the outpouring of love and support from around the world during this sad time. A private memorial service will be held in the Netherlands.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.
OPINION: Farmer shareholders of two of New Zealand's largest co-operatives have an important decision to make this month and what they decide could change the landscape of the dairy and meat sectors in New Zealand.
OPINION: As CEO of the Dairy Board in the 1980s I was fortunate to work with a team of experienced and capable executives who made most of the brand investments that created the international consumer business Fonterra inherited. Soprole in Chile was the largest, but there were more than 20 countries where consumer marketing companies were established and Anchor and other brands were successfully launched.
Fonterra has delivered a fifth straight year of record organic milk price for farmer suppliers.
Fonterra says favourable weather conditions supporting pasture growth is boosting milk production.
Like many manufacturers around the world, European agricultural machinery and tractor manufacturers are currently operating in a difficult market environment. But they are heading to the world’s largest agricultural machinery event in Hanover next month with a degree of cautious optimism.
Established in 2021, the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards champion the important contribution parts and service technicians make to the Australian and New Zealand agriculture, construction and forestry industries.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.
New Zealand is closer to eradicating bovine TB than ever before, but possums remain a threat, says Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.
The ACT Party says media reports that global dairy giant Nestle has withdrawn from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance shows why New Zealand needs to rethink its approach to climate.
